Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the government expects to save Rs. 1,200 million in taxpayer money following a recent review of security arrangements for former presidents.
Addressing concerns raised about the decision, Minister Wijepala criticized those opposing the move, stating they were primarily interested in using public funds for personal gain.
Wijepala said that security arrangements would continue to be reviewed every six months to ensure effectiveness while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Minister Wijepala also said that starting next week, Tri-forces personnel will be withdrawn from the security details of former Presidents as part of cost-cutting measures.
Justifying the move, the Minister revealed the expenditure incurred for the security of former Presidents over the past 11 months of 2024, up to December 15.
Breakdown of Security Expenditure for Former Presidents
Mahinda Rajapaksa
• Tri-forces: Rs. 328 million
• Police: Rs. 327 million
• Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 55 million
• Total: Rs. 710 million
Maithripala Sirisena
• Tri-forces: Rs. 6 million
• Police: Rs. 185 million
• Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 16 million
• Total: Rs. 207 million
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• Tri-forces: Rs. 258 million
• Police: Rs. 39 million
• Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 10 million
• Total: Rs. 307 million
Ranil Wickremesinghe (for 3 months)
• Tri-forces: Rs. 19 million
• Police: Rs. 60 million
• Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 3 million
• Total: Rs. 82 million
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
• Tri-forces: No expenses
• Police: Rs. 99 million
• Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 12 million
• Total: Rs. 110 million
Hema Premadasa (Wife of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa)
• Tri-forces: No expenses
• Police: Rs. 30 million
• Presidential Secretariat: Rs. 3 million
• Total: Rs. 32 million
The cumulative expenditure for the security of former Presidents over the last 11 months amounts to Rs. 1,448 million, the Public Security Minister said. (Newswire)